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In Her Own Backyard
Every street holds a secret.
New to the neighborhood and reeling from the traumatic birth of her second child, Marlowe Moore is barely holding it together. Battling postpartum depression and anxiety, she's desperate for stability.
But when she learns that a woman who once lived in her family's new home vanished without a trace, Marlowe becomes obsessed. As strange things happen and neighborly smiles feel like veiled threats, Marlowe can't shake the feeling that someone is hiding something.
She spirals further into paranoia, fixated on the abandoned case and determined to seek justice. But how can a woman who feels lost find a missing person?
Juggling the demands of her beloved family and her harrowing mental illness, Marlowe doesn't realize she is caught in a cat-and-mouse game that could cost her everything . . . including her life.
New to the neighborhood and reeling from the traumatic birth of her second child, Marlowe Moore is barely holding it together. Battling postpartum depression and anxiety, she's desperate for stability.
But when she learns that a woman who once lived in her family's new home vanished without a trace, Marlowe becomes obsessed. As strange things happen and neighborly smiles feel like veiled threats, Marlowe can't shake the feeling that someone is hiding something.
She spirals further into paranoia, fixated on the abandoned case and determined to seek justice. But how can a woman who feels lost find a missing person?
Juggling the demands of her beloved family and her harrowing mental illness, Marlowe doesn't realize she is caught in a cat-and-mouse game that could cost her everything . . . including her life.
429 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 26, 2026
1 person is currently reading
68 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
March 13, 2026
Thank you NetGalley. This was a fun ride
March 27, 2026
A new mom suffering severe postpartum depression searches for clues to a local woman’s disappearance.
In Her Own Backyard by Ashley Hanna-Morgan is a riveting tale of a mother’s struggle with severe postpartum depression after the birth of her second child and her discovery that a young woman who lived in their home before they bought it had disappeared without anyone raising an alarm. Social worker Marlowe Moore is deep in the grasp of depression, anxiety, and trouble nursing her new daughter. Baby Valorie demands to eat, sleep for an hour, and eat again, and completely refuses bottle-feeding. Her three-year-old daughter, Violet, is also experiencing big feelings as she transitions from ‘only child’ to ‘big sister.’ But when a neighbor casually mentions that a young woman who had rented a room from the previous owners of Moore’s new home had disappeared one day, Marlowe and her circle of women friends and moms get concerned when they realize Aria Middleton had never even been reported missing.
Marlowe’s pregnancy and postpartum experiences are so realistic and relatable; every mother will see something of themselves in her childbearing and childrearing story. Her depression was overwhelming and gut-wrenching to read about; I ached for this young woman. However, her focus on finding out what happened to Aria provided a challenge external to her mental health struggles and helped her regain her stability. Her spouse, Aaron, is sweet and wonderful, but he is still unable to fully relate to what Marlow is experiencing, no matter how much he wants to or how hard he tries.The plot is well-paced, and I had a hard time finding a good place in my reading to take a break. I enjoyed how the women all came together to support Marlowe (and each other) and to collaborate on finding Aria. They use clever methods to find answers and gather clues, and I loved how they reached out to people with whom they had the remotest contact for help in their search. My only quibble was that a noticeable amount of the dialogue, especially between Marlowe and her husband and Marlowe and her daughter, Violet, sounded like clinical examples of appropriate responses to certain situations; it didn’t sound natural or organic. On the other hand, this same style of language was fascinating when Marlowe described what she was going through and the impacts on her daily life. I loved the story’s eerie, brooding atmosphere and rising tension, and was delighted with the many surprises and plot twists. The final confrontation was absolutely gripping.
I recommend IN HER OWN BACKYARD to thriller readers, especially those with an interest in motherhood and the processes and impacts of childbearing.I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advance Review Copy through RABT Book Tours and PR.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
A quiet neighborhood, a missing woman, and a mystery that refuses to stay buried.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
In Her Own Backyard is a compelling and emotionally resonant psychological thriller that balances suspense with a deeply human story. Ashley Hanna-Morgan skillfully blends tension with an honest portrayal of postpartum depression and anxiety, creating a narrative that feels both gripping and meaningful.
The novel’s strength lies in its atmosphere. From the opening chapters, a sense of unease quietly builds as Marlowe Moore adjusts to a new neighborhood while trying to regain her footing after a traumatic birth. The author effectively uses the setting and Marlowe’s perspective to create an environment where everyday interactions carry an undercurrent of suspicion and uncertainty.
Marlowe is a complex and sympathetic protagonist whose emotional journey adds depth to the mystery. Her struggle to balance motherhood, mental health challenges, and the pull of an unsolved disappearance makes the story feel personal and immersive. The exploration of maternal vulnerability alongside a growing sense of danger elevates the narrative beyond a typical thriller.
The pacing is steady and engaging, with tension building gradually as the story unfolds. Hanna-Morgan’s writing keeps readers invested while maintaining emotional authenticity and psychological depth.
Overall, In Her Own Backyard is a powerful and thought-provoking thriller that will appeal to readers who enjoy suspense grounded in strong character development and real-world themes.
Thank you to NetGalley and Acorn Publishing for the ARC.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
In Her Own Backyard is a compelling and emotionally resonant psychological thriller that balances suspense with a deeply human story. Ashley Hanna-Morgan skillfully blends tension with an honest portrayal of postpartum depression and anxiety, creating a narrative that feels both gripping and meaningful.
The novel’s strength lies in its atmosphere. From the opening chapters, a sense of unease quietly builds as Marlowe Moore adjusts to a new neighborhood while trying to regain her footing after a traumatic birth. The author effectively uses the setting and Marlowe’s perspective to create an environment where everyday interactions carry an undercurrent of suspicion and uncertainty.
Marlowe is a complex and sympathetic protagonist whose emotional journey adds depth to the mystery. Her struggle to balance motherhood, mental health challenges, and the pull of an unsolved disappearance makes the story feel personal and immersive. The exploration of maternal vulnerability alongside a growing sense of danger elevates the narrative beyond a typical thriller.
The pacing is steady and engaging, with tension building gradually as the story unfolds. Hanna-Morgan’s writing keeps readers invested while maintaining emotional authenticity and psychological depth.
Overall, In Her Own Backyard is a powerful and thought-provoking thriller that will appeal to readers who enjoy suspense grounded in strong character development and real-world themes.
Thank you to NetGalley and Acorn Publishing for the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This book will make you question one thing: is she paranoid… or is she the only one seeing the truth?
In Her Own Backyard by Ashley Hanna-Morgan is an absorbing psychological thriller that blends domestic suspense with an emotionally layered exploration of motherhood and mental health.
The story follows Marlowe Moore, a new mother navigating the fragile aftermath of her second child birth while adjusting to life in a seemingly ordinary neighbourhood. When a woman goes missing nearby, subtle tensions begin to surface, and everyday interactions take on an unsettling edge. The author gradually unravels the layers of secrecy, setting the stage thick with suspicion and unease.
Personally I didn't find it challenging to solve the mystery, moments felt slightly drawn out and the twists were easier to anticipate, but yes the atmosphere of tension and emotional depth kept me invested throughout.
What stands out most is Marlowe’s emotional journey. Her vulnerability, self-doubt, and fierce determination as a mother add a deeply human layer to the suspense, making the story feel more intimate than a typical or conventional thriller.
Overall, this is a very slow burn but engaging and thoughtful thriller about trust, perception, and the hidden fractures behind seemingly perfect lives.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Thank you NetGalley and Acorn Publishing for the ARC.
In Her Own Backyard by Ashley Hanna-Morgan is an absorbing psychological thriller that blends domestic suspense with an emotionally layered exploration of motherhood and mental health.
The story follows Marlowe Moore, a new mother navigating the fragile aftermath of her second child birth while adjusting to life in a seemingly ordinary neighbourhood. When a woman goes missing nearby, subtle tensions begin to surface, and everyday interactions take on an unsettling edge. The author gradually unravels the layers of secrecy, setting the stage thick with suspicion and unease.
Personally I didn't find it challenging to solve the mystery, moments felt slightly drawn out and the twists were easier to anticipate, but yes the atmosphere of tension and emotional depth kept me invested throughout.
What stands out most is Marlowe’s emotional journey. Her vulnerability, self-doubt, and fierce determination as a mother add a deeply human layer to the suspense, making the story feel more intimate than a typical or conventional thriller.
Overall, this is a very slow burn but engaging and thoughtful thriller about trust, perception, and the hidden fractures behind seemingly perfect lives.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Thank you NetGalley and Acorn Publishing for the ARC.
March 28, 2026
I was really excited to dive into this one, as the premise felt very promising. However, while the story has its strengths, the execution didn't quite land for me.
What I Appreciated:
Unique Themes: I really appreciated the inclusion of postpartum struggles. It’s a topic that isn't explored nearly enough in the thriller/suspense genre, and it added a layer of grounded reality to the protagonist’s journey.
The Friend Group: The supporting cast was a highlight. The bond between the friends felt genuine, and I loved seeing a group that truly had each other’s backs throughout the mystery.
Why it Missed the Mark for Me:
The Pacing: I tend to gravitate toward fast-paced, "unputdownable" thrillers. Unfortunately, this felt like a very slow burn. There was quite a bit of filler that slowed the momentum for me, and I didn't find myself racing to the end to uncover the conclusion.
Engagement: While it wasn't a "bad" read by any means, it just didn't have that "glued to the pages" feeling I look for in a suspense novel.
Final Thoughts:
If you are a fan of slow-burn domestic mysteries that lean heavily into character dynamics and realistic life transitions, you will likely enjoy this more than I did. For those who prefer high-octane tension, it might feel a bit sluggish.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
What I Appreciated:
Unique Themes: I really appreciated the inclusion of postpartum struggles. It’s a topic that isn't explored nearly enough in the thriller/suspense genre, and it added a layer of grounded reality to the protagonist’s journey.
The Friend Group: The supporting cast was a highlight. The bond between the friends felt genuine, and I loved seeing a group that truly had each other’s backs throughout the mystery.
Why it Missed the Mark for Me:
The Pacing: I tend to gravitate toward fast-paced, "unputdownable" thrillers. Unfortunately, this felt like a very slow burn. There was quite a bit of filler that slowed the momentum for me, and I didn't find myself racing to the end to uncover the conclusion.
Engagement: While it wasn't a "bad" read by any means, it just didn't have that "glued to the pages" feeling I look for in a suspense novel.
Final Thoughts:
If you are a fan of slow-burn domestic mysteries that lean heavily into character dynamics and realistic life transitions, you will likely enjoy this more than I did. For those who prefer high-octane tension, it might feel a bit sluggish.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I love that this book talks about motherhood while battling mental illnesses. As a mother and a human with multiple mental illnesses I could relate to this character a lot. It also showed me how to be strong in the face of these illnesses while being a badass mom. I loved this book and I am giving it a 4-star review because at times it felt like the story was dragging and some parts were tough to follow along without losing interest. Anyways thank you Netgalley for this ARC and here is my honest review!
In Her Own Backyard by Ashley Hanna-Morgan is an engaging thriller that pulls you into a seemingly ordinary neighborhood where not everything is as it appears. The story slowly peels back layers of secrets and suspicion, creating a tense atmosphere that kept me curious about what would happen next.
I liked how the author gradually revealed new information, letting the mystery unfold in a way that kept the tension building. The characters felt believable, and the shifting suspicions made it hard to know who to trust.
A couple of the twists were a little predictable, but the overall story was still very entertaining. If you enjoy suspenseful stories about hidden secrets and the darker side of quiet neighborhoods, this one is definitely worth picking up.
In Her Own Backyard by Ashley Hanna-Morgan is an engaging thriller that pulls you into a seemingly ordinary neighborhood where not everything is as it appears. The story slowly peels back layers of secrets and suspicion, creating a tense atmosphere that kept me curious about what would happen next.
I liked how the author gradually revealed new information, letting the mystery unfold in a way that kept the tension building. The characters felt believable, and the shifting suspicions made it hard to know who to trust.
A couple of the twists were a little predictable, but the overall story was still very entertaining. If you enjoy suspenseful stories about hidden secrets and the darker side of quiet neighborhoods, this one is definitely worth picking up.
March 24, 2026
I was gifted an ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
As an avid thriller reader, I very much enjoyed this book. If you’re looking for a fast pace you may be disappointed - this is more of a slow burn, but that doesn’t mean it’s not a page-turner.
While many popular thrillers rely on substance abuse to create an unreliable narrator, this book delves into the mental health struggles of postpartum depression. The main character is a new mother, and her fear of returning to the dark place she experienced after the birth of her first child will feel intimate and real to anyone who has experienced the same.
While the camaraderie between the group of mothers is heartwarming, I did find some of the dialogue to be a bit over the top (the exclamation point in particular felt very overused). That being said, the neighborhood mystery propelled the plot forward in a satisfying way. I recommend this book for anyone that would not be negatively triggered by the topic of postpartum depression, as it is a very large part of the story.
As an avid thriller reader, I very much enjoyed this book. If you’re looking for a fast pace you may be disappointed - this is more of a slow burn, but that doesn’t mean it’s not a page-turner.
While many popular thrillers rely on substance abuse to create an unreliable narrator, this book delves into the mental health struggles of postpartum depression. The main character is a new mother, and her fear of returning to the dark place she experienced after the birth of her first child will feel intimate and real to anyone who has experienced the same.
While the camaraderie between the group of mothers is heartwarming, I did find some of the dialogue to be a bit over the top (the exclamation point in particular felt very overused). That being said, the neighborhood mystery propelled the plot forward in a satisfying way. I recommend this book for anyone that would not be negatively triggered by the topic of postpartum depression, as it is a very large part of the story.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I was fortunate to receive an advanced copy of this book from the author.
As a reproductive therapist, you might think I spend my free time with journals and textbooks. But I often find fiction teaches me more about people and mental health than any manual.
Ashley Hanna-Morgan’s latest novel, In Her Own Backyard, is a perfect example. Through authentic characters and compelling storytelling, she brings psychology and relationships vividly to life—and keeps you turning the pages to see what happens next.
As an accomplished perinatal therapist and volunteer coordinator for Postpartum Support International, it’s no surprise her characters ring true. The main character’s drive to escape her own distress from reproductive trauma and PPD by diving into a mystery feels deeply relatable.
—Abigail Burd, LCSW, PMH-C, author of The Postpartum Depression Workbook
As a reproductive therapist, you might think I spend my free time with journals and textbooks. But I often find fiction teaches me more about people and mental health than any manual.
Ashley Hanna-Morgan’s latest novel, In Her Own Backyard, is a perfect example. Through authentic characters and compelling storytelling, she brings psychology and relationships vividly to life—and keeps you turning the pages to see what happens next.
As an accomplished perinatal therapist and volunteer coordinator for Postpartum Support International, it’s no surprise her characters ring true. The main character’s drive to escape her own distress from reproductive trauma and PPD by diving into a mystery feels deeply relatable.
—Abigail Burd, LCSW, PMH-C, author of The Postpartum Depression Workbook
Review of advance copy received from Author
In Her Own Backyard does an incredible job of combining a realistic portrayal of postpartum struggles with a captivating and thrilling mystery. To be honest, it was heart wrenching to read the portions where the lead character, Marlowe, was struggling the most. I think a lot of moms, especially new ones, will feel seen and consoled by Marlowe’s journey. I also loved all of Mar’s mama friends. I was especially moved to see how her community came together to help her even when she wasn't ready to articulate her deepest troubles. That depiction of female frienship felt so true. I highly recommend this book! For the price of one book, you get both an engrossing yarn about a missing person and also a textured account of the highs and lows of new motherhood. :)
Review of advance copy
Quite an interesting story. Marlowe suffered from postpartum depression with her newborn. This is largely her journey through this condition, but to help, she became engrossed in the disappearance of the previous owner's rental tenant. While dealing with her varied emotions, she began snooping and brought danger to her door. With all the clues that she and her mama's group, along with old friends of the missing Aria, the murderer was exposed and captured. I had an inkling as to who it was earlier on but enjoyed the story as it unraveled.
I received a copy through RABT, and this is my unsolicited review.
I received a copy through RABT, and this is my unsolicited review.
March 26, 2026
When I received this book, I immediately thought it was the perfect choice for me, from the cover to the story and the way it was written. The mysterious shadows around the bedroom window with a mother and child on the cover were an effective way to entice me to read.
As a thriller enthusiast, I loved this book for its secrets and suspense, and it also thoughtfully explored themes of family, parenting, and mental health.
The story did not disappoint. As someone who reads many mysteries, this one was original and refreshing.
Overall, for a debut novel, this was an enjoyable read, and I look forward to reading more from Ashley Hanna-Morgan in the future.
As a thriller enthusiast, I loved this book for its secrets and suspense, and it also thoughtfully explored themes of family, parenting, and mental health.
The story did not disappoint. As someone who reads many mysteries, this one was original and refreshing.
Overall, for a debut novel, this was an enjoyable read, and I look forward to reading more from Ashley Hanna-Morgan in the future.
March 27, 2026
First things first, I would like to thank Netgalley and also Xpresso Book Tours for this ARC!
While I do have a lot of time to read right now - my company decided to close our branch last month and send us all home - I seem to be a bit unlucky when it comes to picking the right books. I need to be honest here, because while I found the blurb interesting, and really liked the cover, the story itself was really dragging along a little. It is still a good storyline, and I liked that the characters were so well-developed, but with over 400 pages, it really got a little exhausting to push through. I am going to give this one 3,5 stars.
While I do have a lot of time to read right now - my company decided to close our branch last month and send us all home - I seem to be a bit unlucky when it comes to picking the right books. I need to be honest here, because while I found the blurb interesting, and really liked the cover, the story itself was really dragging along a little. It is still a good storyline, and I liked that the characters were so well-developed, but with over 400 pages, it really got a little exhausting to push through. I am going to give this one 3,5 stars.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
In Her Own Backyard is a gripping psychological thriller that explores the fragile space between intuition and paranoia. Ashley Hanna-Morgan creates a deeply human protagonist in Marlowe Moore, capturing the emotional turbulence of postpartum anxiety while weaving a suspenseful mystery that keeps the tension rising. With an unsettling neighborhood setting and twists that build steadily toward a chilling payoff, this is a compelling story about trust, perception, and the secrets that can hide in plain sight.
Review of advance copy received from Author
In Her Own Backyard is not just a mystery that keeps you guessing until the very end, but a beautifully written story of meaningful friendships, love, and the mental health struggles of a postpartum mother. I appreciate how Hanna-Morgan folds in the challenges and richness of the postpartum phase that are rarely highlighted in literature. This would be a great book for a mom’s group, book club, or anyone looking for a good mystery with heart.
*I received an Advance Copy from the Author*
*I received an Advance Copy from the Author*
Review of advance copy received from Author
As a close friend and colleague of Ashley Hanna-Morgan, I feel really fortunate to have received an advanced copy of her latest book. It is a mystery with a lot of heart. What a unique novel this is as we read about a woman’s struggle slogging through postpartum depression, doubting herself and her own mind, as she seeks to solve the mystery of a missing local woman. What makes this book extra special is that we’re benefiting the author’s insights, who is a perinatal therapist perspective with lived experience. While this is a fictional novel, there are lots of real-life postpartum gems wrapped in a tense, dramatic mystery. Enjoy!
Bethany Warren, LCSW, PMH-C, author of The Pregnancy and Postpartum Mood Workbook, and Healing From Reproductive Trauma
Bethany Warren, LCSW, PMH-C, author of The Pregnancy and Postpartum Mood Workbook, and Healing From Reproductive Trauma
March 27, 2026
This book was not your typical thriller!
It was a slow burn dropping little clues along the way. I found it to be equally about post partum depression as it was about the mystery aspect which I think is great as many women will be able to see themselves in Marlowe or one of her friends.
The characters were well developed as was the plot, even though I was able to predict what might happen most of the time.
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC
It was a slow burn dropping little clues along the way. I found it to be equally about post partum depression as it was about the mystery aspect which I think is great as many women will be able to see themselves in Marlowe or one of her friends.
The characters were well developed as was the plot, even though I was able to predict what might happen most of the time.
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
A slow burn story revealing little bits of information to keep the tension building. The story was okay and a little predictable at times, but I like how the author has shown the affect postpartum depression and anxiety has on Marlowe the main character.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Honestly very excited for this. I read an earlier draft, and can't wait to see the finished book! Ashley has knowledge, skill, and a great ability to tell a story.
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